Prisoner of Azkaban is the only HP film that has such a different feeling and charm to it than the rest of the series. The characters truly act like real teenagers, Hogwarts feels much more lived in, the music often sounds much more medieval, the stakes are smaller than but feel that much more impactful and real.
I liked the fact they acted like real teenagers, I hated the fact they were walking around Hogwarts in MUGGLE CLOTHING. In the book, Snape actually gives Harry shit for showing up from the Hogwarts Express not in his school robes. I'll also never get over how fucking dumb the ending was. Should've just kept Harry receiving the firebolt consistent with the book sequence. The original storyline was so much better and made the pay-off of Sirius not being a bad guy more rewarding.
@@danurkresnamurti3598 I was just talking to my girlfriend about this last night. It would have been cool if Cuaron could have directed more in the series, but then we likely wouldn't have gotten Children of Men, which is one of my favorite movies of all time.
The Buckbeak's Flight scene is such an overwhelming experience for me every time I watch it - my eyes start streaming and my heart swells. Williams' music (and Cuarón's superb direction) are just on a whole other level
My dad isn't much of a Harry Potter fan - he just never really got into the story - but he really surprised me the last time I was watching Prisoner of Azkaban and he was there. When it came to Buckbeak's Flight, he looked over to me and said, "Now, I want to do *that.* " I just smiled and nodded in agreement. And it made me glad to know that the magic of this moment, the way you described it being created, was so much it reached even him.
Its really a shame that John Williams art is rarely teached in school. His music was my entry to the classic genre as a whole, and it shows that classic music is more than a relic of Mozart and Beethoven. Don't get me wrong, thos old pieces are very important to the history of music in general and should always be explored. But almost everyone watched Jurassic Park, Harry Potter or Star Wars. Its something that even younger generations instantly have a connection with.
I completely agree. My lifelong love of classical music began with John Williams and he remains one of my favorite composers. I know everybody who attended a music conservatory down plays his genius as derivative, and I can hear why they say that, but I don’t care. It doesn’t change the impact his music has had on the world.
In my opinion, the connection is a major reason people like Williams should be taught far more than they are. When your students can connect emotionally as well as intellectually to the lesson, it will leave a stronger mark than constantly drilling them with abstract figures they likely never grew up with. While the classics are important and should be taught, the new age is just as important and should not be undermined.
@@sivad1025 But I do think that lends itself perfectly with the story. Azkaban was so much more darker in tone and theme than Chamber of Secrets. The dementors are traversing every corridor, Harry has to deal with much darker and scarier concepts. The cold and distant nature of Hogwarts, at least in my opinion, fits so well with the overall narrative of the Potter books/movies. We see a progression from the wonderous innocence of discovering magic in the first two movies, to the growing darkness that is beginning to swallow Harry from Goblet of Fire onwards.
@@jessicanewton9304 Yet when Harry finally arrives to the castle after the dementor thing in the train, there's a scene which shows him in the tower of Gryffindor with this friends all laughing while the camera goes out the window to show a dark rainy night and the dementors flying around. For me this scene gives me feelings of relief, of finally being home. Hogwarts seems colder, but it's still home.
I always loved all the "casual magic" in PoA, and if I was trying to explain this to someone, I'd always show them the clip in the leaky cauldron with the wizard stirring his coffee with magic, the owner wiping the tables and setting up the stools with he wave of a hand.. Love it
@@NikhchansGaming I'd rather be rotating my wrist near my ear leisurely than hold a spoon, lean forward and stir the hot cup with the steam warming my hand yes
@@alexlenertz4970 haha thanks. I scanned the first like 20 comments, and practically every single song except Double Trouble was mentioned and lauded. So I was like well damn, we all forgot about the toads and the choir huh...
More like ‘essentially’ with the toads. The addition of toads to the ‘double trouble’ and even the song itself feels unnecessary and yet such elemental of the ‘Hogwarts year beginning feast’ scene that it feels natural and organic making such diversions from the literary to cinematic art all the more delicious and exciting. And the ending of the song with croak of the toad is the just icing on the cake. Love it. Besides, this might be one of the few times the viewer is reminded of the fact that toads are one of the pets allowed at hogwarts barring the ‘Neville with his toad’ scenes. I mean we never expected a choir of students to perform a song at the start-of-term feast and it comes off as such a nice surprise with the song perfectly complementing the mood of the scene and serving as an augur of the year ahead warning the students against an imminent threat. An excellent masterpiece and one of my all time favourites.
@@StellarStreak wow I somehow didn't see your comment until now. Good analysis, agreed! Alfonso cuaron is a genius, he really brought the franchise up to another level. The 1st HP film is perfect for christmas and the 3rd one has a very Halloween vibe to it, very fitting for the introduction of dementors. PoA is my favorite of the series for it's artistry, cinematography and whimsy.
PoA is by far my favourite film of the franchise. Cinematography, direction, shots, score etc. it’s all just on another level. I think for me it’s mostly the use of shots that sells me on the film. So well used.
same. Alfonso Cuaron is a true artist, the franchise was lucky to get him as one of the directors. He really brought the franchise up another level and set the bar for what a HP film could be. I do feel kinda bad for the later directors because the books got more and more difficult to adapt as they got much longer and more complicated.
I remember being very disappointed that it wasn't as faithful to the books as the first two movies. Now, while I still find a couple of the story choices disputable (I feel like the movie kinda skims over the backstory of harry's father and his friends - which in my mind is the main seed of the story) it's undeniably the best directed movie of the series; the most adept at visual storytelling.
A Window To The Past is for sure the best score in harry potter. I love it so much. Also Alfonso curon should have directed more movies, I think he was the best one. His style was so interesting.
Agreed. That track is one of my favorites as well. It kinda express the whole feeling of Harry Potter. Both as a person struggles under the weight of the past, and as the franchise that portrays a wondrous, magical, but dark and sad and somehow broken world.
Thank you so much! I really hope you enjoy what you find! Thank you, also, for your fantastic videos. They're part of the reason I was inspired to start my own channel.
I can't help but to tear up everytime I watch the patronus scene. Harry is transforming a painful memory into happiness to battle all the dementors, musically represented by motif in an almost angelical chorus... It's just amazing! PoA is definitely the most beautiful movie in the series.
So many intense, greatly delivered, iconic and high-stakes scenes in Harry Potter PoA. One on top of the other. And every character's work is great in that movie, new and old ones.
I think I’ve waited my whole life for this video to come out. Thank you for bringing out that John Williams alongside Alfonso Cuaron neared perfection with this movie
'Prisoner of Azkaban' is, in my opinion, easily the most artistic and cinematic film in the entire series. As such, it remains my favorite of the lot. Hiring Alfonso Cuarón to direct was a bold choice and, boy, did it ever pay off! It marked a turning point for the saga, a shift in mood and tone that carried over, more or less, all the way through to the end. But, of all the Harry Potter films, this is the one I can absolutely return to again and again and not get tired of it, because there's always something fresh and new to discover with each successive viewing.
The aesthetics that Cuaron used in this film matches perfectly with John Willians' score. That's why I've watched it a hundred times when a I was a kid.
Just want to say Lupin is my favorite character in all of Harry Potter. Out of all the teachers (besides Snape) actually tried to take the students problems into thought and tried to help and succeeded in teaching Harry one of the most important spells he ever needed. Also the only defense against the dark arts teacher who actually did his job.
The best film in the series for certain. And the music, as you point out, is a big reason why. Wonderful analysis, I’m very impressed. Incidentally, my favorite is Buckbeak’s theme, the soaring joy is overwhelming to me. I’m brought to tears every time I hear it. Keep these videos coming!
Thank you very much. You're right, Buckbeak's flight is such a glorious theme. It's almost a shame that it's not longer, and that it doesn't appear more in the film. I'm so glad you're enjoying my essays.
I agree, PoA is the best score and movie in the series. It’s so unique and shows John Williams’ versatility... the jazzy “Knight Bus” (so trippy!), the deeply moving “Window to the Past”, the almost transcendental “Patronus Light” and the exhilarating “Buckbeak’s Flight”... You brilliantly captured the essentials why this masterpiece is a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such an accessible and engaging way. Your videos make me appreciate the scores even more!
First two films feel like classical fantasy. Third film feels like something happening live, almost like a game. Because score going silent at so many times and allowing the atmospheric sounds to play.
@@carsonwall2400 I honestly wish I could've seen a version of Goblet of Fire directed and adapted by Alfonso Cuaron, and scored by John Williams. It was the best book in the series, and that movie did not do it justice
Another Harry Potter movie that had a great soundtrack was Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. It has such epic music, that was incredibly subtle in the movie. Journey to the Cave and Dumbledores speech were real highlights.
I agree, also "When Ginny kissed Harry" is another great piece. The simplicity of a guitar with such a mundane and normal thing as a kiss highlights the scene completely.
My favourite Harry Potter film of them all. Just like you said the visuals and music is a masterpiece in this one. Every time I see it or hear the music I feel like I'm transported back into that world. As a teenager last time I watched it though, I never noticed the 'family' theme patterns in this movie that you talked about, but it's truly beautiful. Fantastic content. Keep on going with this channel and keep on growing. You deserve it. Very entertaining and insightful and I honestly see you getting big on here soon enough. You got the narrative writing and voice as well as the ear (and eye) for analysis. Good stuff!
Thank you so much! As I said in the analysis, it's by far my favourite of the whole series. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, and that my video offered new insights! I also really hope you enjoy all the other videos I have planned.
As someone who grew up in a family of classical musicians and growing to love it myself over the course of my life with the help of movie and videogame scores, I can't stress enough how much it means to me to hear the emotions I feel listening to these pieces being put into words and explained for someone like me, without a "proper" music education besides piano lessons in our conservatorium, to understand it. It feels like the music world was made for me... and it is a good start knowing WHY I feel such intense emotions when I listen to it. Thank you.
Beautiful analysis! I watched Azkaban for the first time in years just recently and I finally understood why I it had always been my favourite. The direction Cuarón brought to the story makes it feel unique in the series and the music ties the cinematography and editing together perfectly. This is also the one film I can almost forget is set in the Scottish landscape. It really does feel like a different world and I think A Window to the Past in particular really emphasises the environment.
your explanation of the development of the Window To The Past motif in parallel to Harry's inner development was wonderful. i never really realized how integral that is to the story.... and how it sort of transforms as Harry grows and accepts.... that's really beautiful. wow. thank you for making this video. :)
This video in itself is a masterpiece. The way you explore The Prisoner of Azkaban and its musical score is extremely meaningful. I have watched this video many times, and it never loses the emotion and meaning that you have put into it. This is definitely my favorite video on TH-cam. Another video like this or potentially about other Harry Potter movies would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work!
Prisoner of Azkaban has always been my favourite Harry Potter movie, and I think a big part of that comes from the score. I always loved the scores and wanted to play them on my piano. Great video by the way!
This is the best score of the series, by far. So many memorable theme's but Buckbeak's might be the best theme of the series, on level with Hedwig's. The agony and the triumph is shown so well by WIlliams, it's a shame he wasn't able to conduct the soundtrack for future Harry Potter movies .
Can we all take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the narration, from the language to style down to the perfectly fitting adjectives. Makes watching these videos even more engaging.
Azkaban was always my favorite HP soundtrack because it seemed to be right in the middle of the late-Romantic, fantastical lightness of the earlier series and the darker, more chaotic energy of the latter parts. This analysis did an excellent job of connecting compositional choices to the plot, an aspect I’ve missed until now. Great work!
When a director and a composer work together closely to make such an integrated visual and audio landscape, they're unstoppable. PoA is definitely my favorite HP movie, and it's pretty clear why. Great job on this breakdown; it was incredibly informative. Thank you for your work!
The music in Harry Potter movies is so under appreciated even though it is appreciate by so many it still needs more recognition. The music is what makes me love the movies and wish with all my heart that I could be there. Great video!
This is one of the reasons Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite. The style, the music, everything you stated. Now imagine the other potter films if the music and style were like this film? It was the closest we got to the true nature of the book counterpart. Well done man 😁
Great work, found you through your first Jacob Collier video, and I really think you're doing quality content. I'd love to see a video on Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind's soundtrack from you
Unbelievably insightful analysis! The videos you've been putting out have been among the best I've seen on TH-cam. Plus, great choice on which film to explore; it's one of my favourites and John Williams is a legend (of course)!
Thank you so much Max - I really appreciate that. I love John Williams' scores, so it's been so much fun putting this together. I will almost certainly be creating more videos about his music.
I searched ‘prisoner of Azkaban music video essay’ on the off chance that a legend like you had done a video like this... what a result! Thanks so much ❤️
Don"t forget that Jazz is Williams' specialty. This movie is like Cuaôn said to John, "There are some ideas to put forward, but otherwise do as you please!" Williams, like Cuaron gave themselves some freedom to vary the composition.
This essay blew me away! Buckbeak's flight had always been my favorite Hp score ever! You articualted perfectly why Azkaban is so timeless and beautiful. Amazing work.
THAT SIR, WAS BRILLIANT! Azkaban is my favorite of all time, all the while, subconsciously drawn to exactly what youve explained. The score simply takes you on that journey in such a compelling and hypnotic fashion. Thank you so much for explaining it the way you did. Brilliant work!
Right from the beginning, the prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite among the books. The movie fulfil every expectations. I believe true potter fan will agree that the 3rd. Of the series is the best of all.
@@danurkresnamurti3598 I wish they would have elaborated more in the 4 friends and how one betrayed them all out of fear and stupidity changing the course of history to produce Harry's life story. th-cam.com/video/7KeW4Zy4Vdw/w-d-xo.html
Prisoner is my favorite as well, and I think part of that is how it’s so detached from Voldemort. The villain throughout most of it is supposedly Sirius, but the true villain being the miscarriage of justice, hinting at how incompetent the ministry truly is and would be later, and Peter. Harry says at the end how none of it mattered, but Remus replies with how it obsoletely did. Both are right, overall it was a year that did nothing but everything. It’s just so fantastically about the characters and their growth, them going from wide eyed kids to truly seeing the darkness of the world around them. It’s just brilliant. Also, for the books, the introduction of the marauders is just perfect.
@@danurkresnamurti3598 See, that's a big hit for me. That story is too great to not include - I mean, even just a short montage-style look into that story would've done wonders.
Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite too. Your breakdown of my favorite cue in the score; "Buckbeak's Flight" was great. Williams did a fantastic job truly making us feel the joy that Harry felt at 4:25 with the high violins and the bass happily plucking in the background. I revisit the score at least once every 2 years, truly an amazing experience every single listen. Movie is great too.
Just commenting to say I never knew Alfonso Cuaron directed this movie... I have no idea how I never knew this but it explains so much. Also, I love your analysis and your passion for Williams’ music. It is truly special in the way it connects people. His melodies are so memorable, iconic, awe-inspiring, beautiful... it’s just hard to even imagine these movies without him. Long live John Williams ❤️
One thing I could realize after watching this movie like 20 times, is that the bell in the clock tower is playing every now and then throughout the film, highlighting the presence of time. A brilliant way of foreshadowing the time turner thing
Thank you for creating this video. A drastically underappreciated entry in the Harry Potter movies. John William' music and Alfonso Cuaron's inimitable style and vision... My parents cherish experiencing when Star Wars: A New Hope came out. I can easily boast that I was part of the books, movies, and music of the world of Harry Potter.
When I was younger I was only allowed to watch the first three Harry Potter movies as they were rated PG and the rest were M. I rewatched those movies tons especially prisoner of Azkaban since it was the latest of the three. I don’t remember much of the Harry Potter movies as I was young when I watched them but I remember the third one amazingly well.
I watched the first three a lot as a kid, Chamber of Secrets gave me nightmares (I vividly remember thinking the Basilisk was hiding in a hallway in my old apartment) Oddly enough even though I missed hearing a lot of the first two films' music in the third, I did feel that the later scores were rather empty and lacked a lot of the feeling that they had, they felt more at home in an Ice Age film or an independent drama movie
you truly have a way with words that just gives me chills each time i watch one of these essays. you have a way of adding so much emotional weight to pieces of music that already give me chills or make me cry. simply brilliant.
Prisoner of Azkaban has always been my favorite ever since I was a wee child, and I definitely wasn’t paying attention to musical complexity then but thank you for this enlightening video that helps me to appreciate the film even more!
Can't stop watching your videos. I watched almost all of them in one day, you are incredible! I barely know anything about music, but while not understanding half of it, at the same time, I understand everything.
I always thought the scene of the Buckbeak flight was one of the few movie scenes that was better than in the book, and that was mainly because of the glorious music and beautiful images of the flight over the lake. I also love the haunting music of Window to the Past, when Harry is talking with Lupin on the bridge, and Sirius before his escape at the end.
I wasn’t a huge hp fan but for some reason that I can’t put into words, I instantly watched this video, this movie was always one I look back on with the most nostalgia of the series
Man, I described perfectly everything I’ve ever felt about this movie and it’s score. I have a very strong connection with this movie, and A Window To Past holds a huge place in my memory and heart. Loved this video, thank you so much! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷
I loved the first two Potter films so much that this movie let me down the first time it came out. I even hated it at some point. But as I've gotten older, I've grown to really appreciate it.
I am so glad I found your channel. Because I'm writing this comment before I even start watching your video, I don't really know what you'll delve into and explore through the essay, but I can already tell from the first 30 seconds that this is what I've been waiting for. A good video essay on the score of the 3rd installment of the Harry Potter films is exactly what I've been looking for a while, and yours fits my request perfectly. I don't want to sound overdramatic with my next words, but oh well ..... 😅 I adore every part of this film. The stunning cinematography and tone, but especially as you highlight in this video, the score (soundtrack). The score of this movie is breathtaking in every sense of the word, the most blatant way to see the kind of thought and mastery that went into making such a soundtrack is the leitmotifs at the beginning, that build off of each other and that are revisited throughout the film when a scene calls for them. I've rewatched the film at least 20 times, and I can never get sick of the beauty of the music that just cradles the viewer's feelings in every scene, managing to produce a true masterpiece. This film still gives me chills and goosebumps EVERY single time I watch scenes like the one with Harry and Remus on the bridge, or when Harry Produces his final Patronus, or even the shots of the little bird flying around the grounds and reaching the whomping willow. Of course, a lot of this has to be credited to Alfonso's unique and non-conventional directing (that is both in comparison to the previous two films and to other films in general). He really disrupts the scene (pun) with the decision to accomplish recurring shots like the camera going through glass or mirrors, but obviously (because I wouldn't otherwise be here) it's Williams' work is that truly brings those scenes, and the rest of the film for that matter, to life like in no other movie I've ever seen. This is the kind of film that makes a first-time watcher become nostalgic and invested in the film's story and looks, without having seen or heard anything related to Harry Potter before. This could literally just be a stand-alone film. Thank you for this video essay Listening In, now that I've said all of that excessively detailed stuff I feel ready to watch.
Your videos always elicit tears because you have such a way of putting ineffable feelings, movements, and ideas into exactly the right words. It’s very cathartic. Thank you and please never stop. These are gold.
This was soooo engaging and insightful. I'd love to see an analysis of The Theory of Everything soundtrack- I haven't seen the movie but the score is one of the best I've heard! I love your videos and have told all my music teachers about you by the way lol :)
Loved it!!! I’m 50 years old and have recently restarted my musical education after 40 years. I’ve been a huge fan of film music my entire life. You have no idea how glorious it feels to hear a discussion like this on a topic that I love (John Williams) while being able to follow the analysis in addition. I’m so happy to have found a resource for more discussions like this. Thank you for making this video. I plan to enrich my ongoing musical education by watching more of your channel.
PoA might be the best in the series but I'd still love to hear more about all the other films, I don't know what other viewers think :D Your way of describing the musical elements is fantastic, you speak in a captivating way and with contagious passion! I'm always looking forward to seeing more uploads
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I guess I'm not the only one who finds this episode far better than any of others from the series. Alfonso Cuarón simply owned the magnificent story, its ellipse and the whole spirit of Harry Potter's magic. Telling a story takes talent and this director has it with no doubt. Thank you very much for this beautiful video ! You have a new subscriber ;)
Nice analysis. I like this score but I feel it would have been better to see Williams use more of the old themes in new styles. It set a bad precedent for the later composer to ignore previous themes too. Where did you get the orchestrated sheets?
I find that very few film scorers adapt themes that aren't their own. Probably b/c their compositions end up not sounding like the originals. It's like asking Elton John to compose a Beatles album. Though there are some exceptions such as David Arnold emulating John Barry's style in the James Bond films.
3:24 Probably one of the most mesmerizing pieces of music in film history. Coming from a string player I am absolutely astonished by our instrument's capabilities to evoke emotions in an orchestra setting. Love it!
Oh! I was so much in need of this video. It literally popped up out of nowhere on my recommendation list. As he narrated, I too, felt something different and a bit more connected with the Prisoner of Azkaban movie than the rest of the series. I think it is because of the closeness I felt with the characters of Sirius and Remus, and yes because of the John Williams' scores - Buckbeak's flight & A Window to the past. I listen to them whenever I am not able to sleep. They instantly hit. Thanks for making us understand this subtilty behind those scores. This was soothing to watch and listen.
7:41 Your transition into the next time we hear that piece was so beautifully done. Damn, I almost didn't catch it. I hope this channel blows up I love this
Prisoner of Azkaban is the only HP film that has such a different feeling and charm to it than the rest of the series. The characters truly act like real teenagers, Hogwarts feels much more lived in, the music often sounds much more medieval, the stakes are smaller than but feel that much more impactful and real.
yes. sad Alfonso Cuarón only direct this movie. beside his previous movie. even this movie did not include marauders story.
I liked the fact they acted like real teenagers, I hated the fact they were walking around Hogwarts in MUGGLE CLOTHING. In the book, Snape actually gives Harry shit for showing up from the Hogwarts Express not in his school robes.
I'll also never get over how fucking dumb the ending was. Should've just kept Harry receiving the firebolt consistent with the book sequence. The original storyline was so much better and made the pay-off of Sirius not being a bad guy more rewarding.
@@danurkresnamurti3598 I was just talking to my girlfriend about this last night. It would have been cool if Cuaron could have directed more in the series, but then we likely wouldn't have gotten Children of Men, which is one of my favorite movies of all time.
I think both 3 & 4 have those qualities. Can't pick a favorite between them
@@MichaelHolmgaard what? are you sure number 4 is good enough? the director even did not read the book or know the story
This movie also has the best end credits sequence ever
YISSSS!
And is the best of the movies in general
Mischief Managed 👍
I still want to know what the two pairs of feet were doing in the corner
HBP*
The Buckbeak's Flight scene is such an overwhelming experience for me every time I watch it - my eyes start streaming and my heart swells. Williams' music (and Cuarón's superb direction) are just on a whole other level
I know. That's why I chose this sequence in particular. Thank you for watching!
My dad isn't much of a Harry Potter fan - he just never really got into the story - but he really surprised me the last time I was watching Prisoner of Azkaban and he was there. When it came to Buckbeak's Flight, he looked over to me and said, "Now, I want to do *that.* " I just smiled and nodded in agreement. And it made me glad to know that the magic of this moment, the way you described it being created, was so much it reached even him.
I have exactly the same reaction to this. And Window to the Past moves me deeper than any melody i know.
its so moving
It gives me chills everytime and makes my eyes water.
Its really a shame that John Williams art is rarely teached in school. His music was my entry to the classic genre as a whole, and it shows that classic music is more than a relic of Mozart and Beethoven. Don't get me wrong, thos old pieces are very important to the history of music in general and should always be explored. But almost everyone watched Jurassic Park, Harry Potter or Star Wars. Its something that even younger generations instantly have a connection with.
taught*
Agree but I want you to know Williams in Star Wars soundtrack for example sampled classical composers (Holst, Stravinsky...)
Also in HP, the final’of Aunt mArge looks like Rossini
I completely agree. My lifelong love of classical music began with John Williams and he remains one of my favorite composers.
I know everybody who attended a music conservatory down plays his genius as derivative, and I can hear why they say that, but I don’t care. It doesn’t change the impact his music has had on the world.
In my opinion, the connection is a major reason people like Williams should be taught far more than they are. When your students can connect emotionally as well as intellectually to the lesson, it will leave a stronger mark than constantly drilling them with abstract figures they likely never grew up with. While the classics are important and should be taught, the new age is just as important and should not be undermined.
Chamber of secrets made Hogwarts castle feel alive whereas Prisoner of Azkaban made the Hogwarts grounds feel alive
I agree. Chamber doesn't get enough credit. It feels like a lived-in school. Azkaban makes Hogwarts seem really cold and distant.
@@sivad1025 But I do think that lends itself perfectly with the story. Azkaban was so much more darker in tone and theme than Chamber of Secrets. The dementors are traversing every corridor, Harry has to deal with much darker and scarier concepts. The cold and distant nature of Hogwarts, at least in my opinion, fits so well with the overall narrative of the Potter books/movies. We see a progression from the wonderous innocence of discovering magic in the first two movies, to the growing darkness that is beginning to swallow Harry from Goblet of Fire onwards.
@@jessicanewton9304 Yet when Harry finally arrives to the castle after the dementor thing in the train, there's a scene which shows him in the tower of Gryffindor with this friends all laughing while the camera goes out the window to show a dark rainy night and the dementors flying around. For me this scene gives me feelings of relief, of finally being home. Hogwarts seems colder, but it's still home.
Although CoS is the more mystic myphological adventure
@@sivad1025 les deux sont très complémentaires je trouve. Chambre des secrets = top 3 et prisonnier d'azkaban = top 1
I always loved all the "casual magic" in PoA, and if I was trying to explain this to someone, I'd always show them the clip in the leaky cauldron with the wizard stirring his coffee with magic, the owner wiping the tables and setting up the stools with he wave of a hand.. Love it
Yes! And eating the magical sweets! It becomes part of the world.
I found that bit a bit jarring... The most pointless magic lol!
@@NikhchansGaming I mean if there was magic that's exactly how it would be used. What are you on about?
@@4321omi don't you think it would be easier just to use your hand vs use magic just to stir your drink?
@@NikhchansGaming I'd rather be rotating my wrist near my ear leisurely than hold a spoon, lean forward and stir the hot cup with the steam warming my hand yes
Double Trouble is such a bop. especially with the toads
Underrated comment
@@alexlenertz4970 haha thanks. I scanned the first like 20 comments, and practically every single song except Double Trouble was mentioned and lauded. So I was like well damn, we all forgot about the toads and the choir huh...
More like ‘essentially’ with the toads. The addition of toads to the ‘double trouble’ and even the song itself feels unnecessary and yet such elemental of the ‘Hogwarts year beginning feast’ scene that it feels natural and organic making such diversions from the literary to cinematic art all the more delicious and exciting. And the ending of the song with croak of the toad is the just icing on the cake. Love it. Besides, this might be one of the few times the viewer is reminded of the fact that toads are one of the pets allowed at hogwarts barring the ‘Neville with his toad’ scenes.
I mean we never expected a choir of students to perform a song at the start-of-term feast and it comes off as such a nice surprise with the song perfectly complementing the mood of the scene and serving as an augur of the year ahead warning the students against an imminent threat.
An excellent masterpiece and one of my all time favourites.
One of my favorite moments in children's choir was being handed that piece. Such fun to sing
@@StellarStreak wow I somehow didn't see your comment until now. Good analysis, agreed! Alfonso cuaron is a genius, he really brought the franchise up to another level. The 1st HP film is perfect for christmas and the 3rd one has a very Halloween vibe to it, very fitting for the introduction of dementors. PoA is my favorite of the series for it's artistry, cinematography and whimsy.
PoA is by far my favourite film of the franchise. Cinematography, direction, shots, score etc. it’s all just on another level. I think for me it’s mostly the use of shots that sells me on the film. So well used.
same. Alfonso Cuaron is a true artist, the franchise was lucky to get him as one of the directors. He really brought the franchise up another level and set the bar for what a HP film could be. I do feel kinda bad for the later directors because the books got more and more difficult to adapt as they got much longer and more complicated.
I remember being very disappointed that it wasn't as faithful to the books as the first two movies. Now, while I still find a couple of the story choices disputable (I feel like the movie kinda skims over the backstory of harry's father and his friends - which in my mind is the main seed of the story) it's undeniably the best directed movie of the series; the most adept at visual storytelling.
@@janetuss6496 Yes, but Mike Newell, the director of film 4, dropped the ball. He didn't even read the book he was adapting!
A Window To The Past is for sure the best score in harry potter. I love it so much. Also Alfonso curon should have directed more movies, I think he was the best one. His style was so interesting.
I love both of them ❤
I have the best version of this piano piece on my channel. Maybe you like it.
Delbonnel is better
Agreed. That track is one of my favorites as well. It kinda express the whole feeling of Harry Potter. Both as a person struggles under the weight of the past, and as the franchise that portrays a wondrous, magical, but dark and sad and somehow broken world.
He wanted to, but had to decline because the corporate sharks wanted him to produce them faster, which in the end would hurt the quality.
You're a brilliant presenter. Your videos are so engaging to watch! I feel like I've got to go through your whole channel now!
Thank you so much! I really hope you enjoy what you find! Thank you, also, for your fantastic videos. They're part of the reason I was inspired to start my own channel.
Absolutely loved your analysis, thank you!!!
As I recall you didn't think much of the Harry Potter music.
I absolutely agree with this
Go through repeatedly
I can't help but to tear up everytime I watch the patronus scene. Harry is transforming a painful memory into happiness to battle all the dementors, musically represented by motif in an almost angelical chorus... It's just amazing! PoA is definitely the most beautiful movie in the series.
Yep. PoA is the best of the series, and the Patronus self-rescue scene is the best scene in the movie.
So many intense, greatly delivered, iconic and high-stakes scenes in Harry Potter PoA. One on top of the other.
And every character's work is great in that movie, new and old ones.
I think I’ve waited my whole life for this video to come out. Thank you for bringing out that John Williams alongside Alfonso Cuaron neared perfection with this movie
It’s completely my pleasure!
'Prisoner of Azkaban' is, in my opinion, easily the most artistic and cinematic film in the entire series. As such, it remains my favorite of the lot. Hiring Alfonso Cuarón to direct was a bold choice and, boy, did it ever pay off! It marked a turning point for the saga, a shift in mood and tone that carried over, more or less, all the way through to the end. But, of all the Harry Potter films, this is the one I can absolutely return to again and again and not get tired of it, because there's always something fresh and new to discover with each successive viewing.
I will never forget the how I felt in cinema when watching Buckbeak's flight. I truly felt like I was as free as Harry
yes. i am glad i am watched in cinema
The aesthetics that Cuaron used in this film matches perfectly with John Willians' score. That's why I've watched it a hundred times when a I was a kid.
Just want to say Lupin is my favorite character in all of Harry Potter. Out of all the teachers (besides Snape) actually tried to take the students problems into thought and tried to help and succeeded in teaching Harry one of the most important spells he ever needed. Also the only defense against the dark arts teacher who actually did his job.
Snape didn't do that
The best film in the series for certain. And the music, as you point out, is a big reason why. Wonderful analysis, I’m very impressed. Incidentally, my favorite is Buckbeak’s theme, the soaring joy is overwhelming to me. I’m brought to tears every time I hear it.
Keep these videos coming!
Thank you very much. You're right, Buckbeak's flight is such a glorious theme. It's almost a shame that it's not longer, and that it doesn't appear more in the film. I'm so glad you're enjoying my essays.
HBP
"Love has a transformative power, even in the face of sometimes overwhelming darkness" ❤️ Wow!
I agree, PoA is the best score and movie in the series. It’s so unique and shows John Williams’ versatility... the jazzy “Knight Bus” (so trippy!), the deeply moving “Window to the Past”, the almost transcendental “Patronus Light” and the exhilarating “Buckbeak’s Flight”...
You brilliantly captured the essentials why this masterpiece is a masterpiece.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such an accessible and engaging way. Your videos make me appreciate the scores even more!
I don’t know how I missed that John Williams wrote this stuff but it explains why I thought it was so good
First two films feel like classical fantasy. Third film feels like something happening live, almost like a game. Because score going silent at so many times and allowing the atmospheric sounds to play.
The series could have been one of the greatest if Cuaron had stayed on to direct
@@carsonwall2400 I honestly wish I could've seen a version of Goblet of Fire directed and adapted by Alfonso Cuaron, and scored by John Williams. It was the best book in the series, and that movie did not do it justice
So great to revisit this from an adult's ear.
this just proves how important music is, visuals are just showing but music is the feeling
The scene at the end with Sirius and Harry gets me every time. The music is overwhelmingly beautiful.
The buckbeak scene is fantastically overwhelming. Like a twisted welling of your heart, a stirring pool of joy and sorrow and freedom.
I love it.
Another Harry Potter movie that had a great soundtrack was Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. It has such epic music, that was incredibly subtle in the movie. Journey to the Cave and Dumbledores speech were real highlights.
Journey to the Cave is literally my favorite song from every Harry Potter soundtrack. So good
@@juliagreen8659 same here!
Dumbledores Farewell is also brilliant
@@philipluhrs1811 yes very true
I agree, also "When Ginny kissed Harry" is another great piece. The simplicity of a guitar with such a mundane and normal thing as a kiss highlights the scene completely.
This video is a gem. Please make one analyzing the score of the Deathly Hallows. Alexandre Desplat's genius is something one notices right away.
My favourite Harry Potter film of them all. Just like you said the visuals and music is a masterpiece in this one. Every time I see it or hear the music I feel like I'm transported back into that world. As a teenager last time I watched it though, I never noticed the 'family' theme patterns in this movie that you talked about, but it's truly beautiful.
Fantastic content. Keep on going with this channel and keep on growing. You deserve it. Very entertaining and insightful and I honestly see you getting big on here soon enough. You got the narrative writing and voice as well as the ear (and eye) for analysis. Good stuff!
Thank you so much! As I said in the analysis, it's by far my favourite of the whole series. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, and that my video offered new insights! I also really hope you enjoy all the other videos I have planned.
As someone who grew up in a family of classical musicians and growing to love it myself over the course of my life with the help of movie and videogame scores, I can't stress enough how much it means to me to hear the emotions I feel listening to these pieces being put into words and explained for someone like me, without a "proper" music education besides piano lessons in our conservatorium, to understand it. It feels like the music world was made for me... and it is a good start knowing WHY I feel such intense emotions when I listen to it. Thank you.
So well-said.
Beautiful analysis! I watched Azkaban for the first time in years just recently and I finally understood why I it had always been my favourite. The direction Cuarón brought to the story makes it feel unique in the series and the music ties the cinematography and editing together perfectly.
This is also the one film I can almost forget is set in the Scottish landscape. It really does feel like a different world and I think A Window to the Past in particular really emphasises the environment.
Thank you! It is completely unique, and stands out, I think, as the best in the series. It's just good film-making in general. Thank you for watching.
your explanation of the development of the Window To The Past motif in parallel to Harry's inner development was wonderful. i never really realized how integral that is to the story.... and how it sort of transforms as Harry grows and accepts.... that's really beautiful. wow. thank you for making this video. :)
This video in itself is a masterpiece. The way you explore The Prisoner of Azkaban and its musical score is extremely meaningful. I have watched this video many times, and it never loses the emotion and meaning that you have put into it. This is definitely my favorite video on TH-cam. Another video like this or potentially about other Harry Potter movies would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work!
Prisoner of Azkaban has always been my favourite Harry Potter movie, and I think a big part of that comes from the score. I always loved the scores and wanted to play them on my piano. Great video by the way!
Thank you!
It’s almost like a score for horror film. Beautifully haunted.
Holy cow, “Beautifully haunted” is a perfect description
This is the best score of the series, by far. So many memorable theme's but Buckbeak's might be the best theme of the series, on level with Hedwig's. The agony and the triumph is shown so well by WIlliams, it's a shame he wasn't able to conduct the soundtrack for future Harry Potter movies .
I teared up at the patronus part! This is quickly becoming my favorite youtube channel!
I know...that bit. Glad you're enjoyed the videos.
Can we all take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the narration, from the language to style down to the perfectly fitting adjectives. Makes watching these videos even more engaging.
I have literal chills. This movie was very important to me as a child, and now I’ll appreciate it even more. Thank you!
I love how you analyzed the emotion of the score and not just the technical aspects.
Azkaban was always my favorite HP soundtrack because it seemed to be right in the middle of the late-Romantic, fantastical lightness of the earlier series and the darker, more chaotic energy of the latter parts. This analysis did an excellent job of connecting compositional choices to the plot, an aspect I’ve missed until now. Great work!
When a director and a composer work together closely to make such an integrated visual and audio landscape, they're unstoppable. PoA is definitely my favorite HP movie, and it's pretty clear why. Great job on this breakdown; it was incredibly informative. Thank you for your work!
The music in Harry Potter movies is so under appreciated even though it is appreciate by so many it still needs more recognition. The music is what makes me love the movies and wish with all my heart that I could be there. Great video!
This is one of the reasons Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite. The style, the music, everything you stated. Now imagine the other potter films if the music and style were like this film?
It was the closest we got to the true nature of the book counterpart.
Well done man 😁
Great work, found you through your first Jacob Collier video, and I really think you're doing quality content. I'd love to see a video on Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind's soundtrack from you
Thank you! I will re-watch the film now. I remember the music being really interesting - thank you for the suggestion!
This is without a doubt, the best music analysis of a film I have ever seen
Im justing thinking about the rest of the class during harry's flight on buckbeak? "Okay now what? We just wait here while he gets back?"
Unbelievably insightful analysis! The videos you've been putting out have been among the best I've seen on TH-cam. Plus, great choice on which film to explore; it's one of my favourites and John Williams is a legend (of course)!
Thank you so much Max - I really appreciate that. I love John Williams' scores, so it's been so much fun putting this together. I will almost certainly be creating more videos about his music.
I searched ‘prisoner of Azkaban music video essay’ on the off chance that a legend like you had done a video like this... what a result! Thanks so much ❤️
Glad you found it! Thank you for watching.
I have listened to "A Window to the past" more than thousand times. it is just brilliant
Don"t forget that Jazz is Williams' specialty. This movie is like Cuaôn said to John, "There are some ideas to put forward, but otherwise do as you please!"
Williams, like Cuaron gave themselves some freedom to vary the composition.
You'd never guess it. What a genius. A level above everybody else
This essay blew me away! Buckbeak's flight had always been my favorite Hp score ever! You articualted perfectly why Azkaban is so timeless and beautiful. Amazing work.
This is the second time I've watched this, and it really is a great analysis. I could watch an hour of this.
Yes, it's one of Williams' best scores. I have it (as well as all the others) in my collection. :)
This score is simply beautiful, a window to the past is so emotional, and the buckbeat's flight, I just love it 🥺
Prisoner of azkaban
What I most appreciate is that they actually got the hair right
THAT SIR, WAS BRILLIANT! Azkaban is my favorite of all time, all the while, subconsciously drawn to exactly what youve explained. The score simply takes you on that journey in such a compelling and hypnotic fashion. Thank you so much for explaining it the way you did. Brilliant work!
This is my favorite movie ever. The music, the scenes, and the energy/vibe it creates is absolutely amazing
I don't know why this came up on my page but the explanation made me tear up.
It's so symbolic and beautiful
Thank you!
Right from the beginning, the prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite among the books. The movie fulfil every expectations. I believe true potter fan will agree that the 3rd. Of the series is the best of all.
Especially bc Goblet movie was such a letdown.. at least for me. Rushed, approached in the wrong way. Chamber and Azkaban are the best in the series.
agree. even they do not tell the story of marauders
@@danurkresnamurti3598 I wish they would have elaborated more in the 4 friends and how one betrayed them all out of fear and stupidity changing the course of history to produce Harry's life story. th-cam.com/video/7KeW4Zy4Vdw/w-d-xo.html
Prisoner is my favorite as well, and I think part of that is how it’s so detached from Voldemort. The villain throughout most of it is supposedly Sirius, but the true villain being the miscarriage of justice, hinting at how incompetent the ministry truly is and would be later, and Peter. Harry says at the end how none of it mattered, but Remus replies with how it obsoletely did. Both are right, overall it was a year that did nothing but everything. It’s just so fantastically about the characters and their growth, them going from wide eyed kids to truly seeing the darkness of the world around them. It’s just brilliant. Also, for the books, the introduction of the marauders is just perfect.
@@danurkresnamurti3598 See, that's a big hit for me. That story is too great to not include - I mean, even just a short montage-style look into that story would've done wonders.
Buckbeak's Flight and Harry's full Patromus at the end are two of my favourite scenes from the entire franchise
The moment I saw the title, I was waiting when I would get to hear A Window to the Past!
One of the best themes in the entire series.
Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite too. Your breakdown of my favorite cue in the score; "Buckbeak's Flight" was great. Williams did a fantastic job truly making us feel the joy that Harry felt at 4:25 with the high violins and the bass happily plucking in the background. I revisit the score at least once every 2 years, truly an amazing experience every single listen. Movie is great too.
Just commenting to say I never knew Alfonso Cuaron directed this movie... I have no idea how I never knew this but it explains so much. Also, I love your analysis and your passion for Williams’ music. It is truly special in the way it connects people. His melodies are so memorable, iconic, awe-inspiring, beautiful... it’s just hard to even imagine these movies without him. Long live John Williams ❤️
One thing I could realize after watching this movie like 20 times, is that the bell in the clock tower is playing every now and then throughout the film, highlighting the presence of time. A brilliant way of foreshadowing the time turner thing
Thank you for creating this video. A drastically underappreciated entry in the Harry Potter movies. John William' music and Alfonso Cuaron's inimitable style and vision... My parents cherish experiencing when Star Wars: A New Hope came out. I can easily boast that I was part of the books, movies, and music of the world of Harry Potter.
I love how you analyzed Buckbeak’s flight, this sequence is the most chilling in all the franchise I absolutely love it
When I was younger I was only allowed to watch the first three Harry Potter movies as they were rated PG and the rest were M. I rewatched those movies tons especially prisoner of Azkaban since it was the latest of the three. I don’t remember much of the Harry Potter movies as I was young when I watched them but I remember the third one amazingly well.
I watched the first three a lot as a kid, Chamber of Secrets gave me nightmares (I vividly remember thinking the Basilisk was hiding in a hallway in my old apartment)
Oddly enough even though I missed hearing a lot of the first two films' music in the third, I did feel that the later scores were rather empty and lacked a lot of the feeling that they had, they felt more at home in an Ice Age film or an independent drama movie
you truly have a way with words that just gives me chills each time i watch one of these essays. you have a way of adding so much emotional weight to pieces of music that already give me chills or make me cry. simply brilliant.
Prisoner of Azkaban has always been my favorite ever since I was a wee child, and I definitely wasn’t paying attention to musical complexity then but thank you for this enlightening video that helps me to appreciate the film even more!
Can't stop watching your videos. I watched almost all of them in one day, you are incredible! I barely know anything about music, but while not understanding half of it, at the same time, I understand everything.
I always thought the scene of the Buckbeak flight was one of the few movie scenes that was better than in the book, and that was mainly because of the glorious music and beautiful images of the flight over the lake. I also love the haunting music of Window to the Past, when Harry is talking with Lupin on the bridge, and Sirius before his escape at the end.
I wasn’t a huge hp fan but for some reason that I can’t put into words, I instantly watched this video, this movie was always one I look back on with the most nostalgia of the series
Man, I described perfectly everything I’ve ever felt about this movie and it’s score. I have a very strong connection with this movie, and A Window To Past holds a huge place in my memory and heart. Loved this video, thank you so much! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷
I loved the first two Potter films so much that this movie let me down the first time it came out. I even hated it at some point. But as I've gotten older, I've grown to really appreciate it.
This is criminally under-viewed
Thanks for that insight. "Prisoner" will never be the same again for me.
I am so glad I found your channel. Because I'm writing this comment before I even start watching your video, I don't really know what you'll delve into and explore through the essay, but I can already tell from the first 30 seconds that this is what I've been waiting for. A good video essay on the score of the 3rd installment of the Harry Potter films is exactly what I've been looking for a while, and yours fits my request perfectly. I don't want to sound overdramatic with my next words, but oh well ..... 😅
I adore every part of this film. The stunning cinematography and tone, but especially as you highlight in this video, the score (soundtrack). The score of this movie is breathtaking in every sense of the word, the most blatant way to see the kind of thought and mastery that went into making such a soundtrack is the leitmotifs at the beginning, that build off of each other and that are revisited throughout the film when a scene calls for them. I've rewatched the film at least 20 times, and I can never get sick of the beauty of the music that just cradles the viewer's feelings in every scene, managing to produce a true masterpiece. This film still gives me chills and goosebumps EVERY single time I watch scenes like the one with Harry and Remus on the bridge, or when Harry Produces his final Patronus, or even the shots of the little bird flying around the grounds and reaching the whomping willow. Of course, a lot of this has to be credited to Alfonso's unique and non-conventional directing (that is both in comparison to the previous two films and to other films in general). He really disrupts the scene (pun) with the decision to accomplish recurring shots like the camera going through glass or mirrors, but obviously (because I wouldn't otherwise be here) it's Williams' work is that truly brings those scenes, and the rest of the film for that matter, to life like in no other movie I've ever seen. This is the kind of film that makes a first-time watcher become nostalgic and invested in the film's story and looks, without having seen or heard anything related to Harry Potter before. This could literally just be a stand-alone film.
Thank you for this video essay Listening In, now that I've said all of that excessively detailed stuff I feel ready to watch.
Your videos always elicit tears because you have such a way of putting ineffable feelings, movements, and ideas into exactly the right words. It’s very cathartic. Thank you and please never stop. These are gold.
Cuaron is a genius. Even with a little princess and patrick doyle's score, everything is sheer perfection
Patrick Doyle's score for goblet of fire was amazing too.
Clicked on the video not knowing what'll come...and then...those first seconds of Lumos sound and hedwig's theme...just made my day...
This was soooo engaging and insightful. I'd love to see an analysis of The Theory of Everything soundtrack- I haven't seen the movie but the score is one of the best I've heard! I love your videos and have told all my music teachers about you by the way lol :)
Loved it!!!
I’m 50 years old and have recently restarted my musical education after 40 years. I’ve been a huge fan of film music my entire life. You have no idea how glorious it feels to hear a discussion like this on a topic that I love (John Williams) while being able to follow the analysis in addition.
I’m so happy to have found a resource for more discussions like this. Thank you for making this video. I plan to enrich my ongoing musical education by watching more of your channel.
Amazing work Barney, well done 👏.
Thanks George!
This was absolutely brilliant!
PoA might be the best in the series but I'd still love to hear more about all the other films, I don't know what other viewers think :D Your way of describing the musical elements is fantastic, you speak in a captivating way and with contagious passion! I'm always looking forward to seeing more uploads
I guess I'm not the only one who finds this episode far better than any of others from the series. Alfonso Cuarón simply owned the magnificent story, its ellipse and the whole spirit of Harry Potter's magic. Telling a story takes talent and this director has it with no doubt. Thank you very much for this beautiful video ! You have a new subscriber ;)
PoA had the most emotion of all the movies
Dude I am in Tears... you've triggered my Allergic reaction to my Emotions.
Nice analysis. I like this score but I feel it would have been better to see Williams use more of the old themes in new styles. It set a bad precedent for the later composer to ignore previous themes too.
Where did you get the orchestrated sheets?
I find that very few film scorers adapt themes that aren't their own. Probably b/c their compositions end up not sounding like the originals. It's like asking Elton John to compose a Beatles album. Though there are some exceptions such as David Arnold emulating John Barry's style in the James Bond films.
3:24 Probably one of the most mesmerizing pieces of music in film history. Coming from a string player I am absolutely astonished by our instrument's capabilities to evoke emotions in an orchestra setting. Love it!
this video shouldn't have ended
This is honestly one of the best videos I've seen on youtube. It even brought tears to my eyes
So basically....John Williams is the genius we thought he was😂👌👌
Oh! I was so much in need of this video. It literally popped up out of nowhere on my recommendation list. As he narrated, I too, felt something different and a bit more connected with the Prisoner of Azkaban movie than the rest of the series. I think it is because of the closeness I felt with the characters of Sirius and Remus, and yes because of the John Williams' scores - Buckbeak's flight & A Window to the past. I listen to them whenever I am not able to sleep. They instantly hit.
Thanks for making us understand this subtilty behind those scores. This was soothing to watch and listen.
I would love an analysis of finding Nemo's musical score
That was such a beautiful narration of the music. Moved me to tears, especially the end.
Great analysis. There is so much love for this score, fully deserved.
7:41
Your transition into the next time we hear that piece was so beautifully done. Damn, I almost didn't catch it. I hope this channel blows up I love this
Your presentation, visuals and knowledge is incredible. 100% subscribed!
The moving camera style, the tone, the meaning and innovation of each shot for the series, THE SCORE ❤ I really love HP & PoA